Ground Investigation Specialist of the Year

Ground investigation contractors that can demonstrate achievement of clear business milestones will be rewarded in this category. Firms must be able to provide evidence of continued dedication to delivering innovation, quality and value between January 2024 and January 2025. 

Central Alliance

Despite a financial control period transition year in the rail sector, where traditionally a downturn in work bank usually results in an impact on revenues for Central Alliance on a 5 year cycle, our diversification strategy to deliver a wider range of services across all sectors has assisted us to deliver a projected £16.2m turnover in FY25 (the year to end March 2025), an increase of 13% on FY24. Central Alliance have had a successful year delivering complex ground investigations across the length and breadth of the UK, including significant projects for the clean energy transition, climate change adaptation, port expansion and rail and highway upgrades. Central Alliance have been involved in global Electrokinetic ground investigation projects as far away as Western Australia and ground breaking drone based soil moisture and soil density investigations in across Scotland, England and Finland.

Fugro

Fugro, a global leader in ground investigation, is known for innovative approach and high quality of work. With major projects across land, nearshore, and marine environments, we use advanced technology and a skilled workforce to provide bespoke solutions. Our commitment to industry standards, talent development, innovation and collaboration marks us as a champion in excellence. We live by our ethos to create a safe and liveable world through enabling a more sustainable energy future and supporting infrastructure for the future. Our involvement in large-scale energy projects throughout 2024 and into 2025, including offshore wind farms, carbon capture utilisation and storage, transport and power networks is a testament to the strong relationships we have built with our clients, project partners, and across the supply chain. We champion our people as the key to our success and deliver leading training programmes, development opportunities and providing the highest standard for working environments.

Geoquip Marine

Geoquip Marine has established itself as a leading ground investigation specialist in 2024, delivering successful projects using mixed drilling methods that enhanced efficiency and reduced costs. Geoquip collaboratively worked with clients, project partners and supply chain to complete projects safely and ahead of schedule. Geoquip received a safety award, a recognition that underscores our unwavering commitment to safety and excellence in operations. Geoquip formed new partnership that supports knowledge transfer and professional development and shared ICE training scheme. Geoquip has implemented a competency assessment system (CAS) to ensure employees possess the necessary knowledge and skills and updated employee benefits. Geoquip gives back to the industry by engaging in GFUMP (mentee winning Mentee of the Year Award), BGA, presenting technical papers on various conferences. With a record revenue in 2024 and secured revenue for 2025 and 2026, Geoquip is well-positioned for continued growth in the coming years.

GeoSonic Drilling

GeoSonic achieved an in-house record turnover and profitability in 2024, utilising the fleet of 14 multipurpose rigs throughout the UK and Europe to take on the most challenging jobs. Working with clients and a diverse range of suppliers from all over the world we have produced innovative technical solutions for complex problems and brought supply chain, sub-contractors and clients together to test outcomes and ensure execution on-site. First’s in the UK for Morwick G360 Groundwater installations and E-SPT use on-site show the dedication of the Geosonic team to continual improvement and pushing new technologies into the market that benefit our clients. Investment in plant and people has helped us exceed our business milestones for the year and deliver on every project site.

Igne Group

In 2024, Igne SI Scotland delivered record-breaking performance across major projects, including the Ayre and Bowdun Offshore Wind Farms for Thistle Wind Partnership and the Loch Buidhe to Spittal 400kV Overhead Line project for Murphy Group. Our expertise in site investigation, sustainability, and innovative drilling techniques set industry benchmarks, with a 144.72% turnover increase and a 209.89% rise in contract values. Igne's unwavering commitment to quality, health, safety, and environmental excellence, combined with our collaborative approach across the wider business and our supply chain, ensures consistent project success. These achievements position Igne SI Scotland as a leading contender for the 2025 Ground Engineering Ground Investigation Specialist of the Year Award.

Marshall Drilling

We have also achieved Net Zero with the business, not through offsetting carbon but through the development of a 180acre farm, from which our business will soon be based. This offset, by the close of 2025 will achieve a multiplier of 3x Marshall Drillings carbon emissions. Further development of the site will allow us to offer this offsetting service to clients and developers for use within their own business, all whilst maintaining the site as a working farm. We value our local community and continue to engage and sponsor local events, charities and good causes. Our rotary drilling mast has been utilised on a number of high profile projects to great success, allow national highways and Network Rail to capture data which otherwise would not be possible.

Soil Engineering Geoservices

Maintaining a focus on meeting changing customer needs has seen Soil Engineering make significant improvements in profitability and environmental impact in 2024. Delivering projects with critical technical and logistical challenges to a consistently high standard across all business streams reflects their ability to adapt and develop while working collaboratively with both clients and supply chain. Developing new routes to market for services which dovetail with market needs has created new ways both for clients to engage, and for careers to progress. Backing this with sustained behavioural and systems development, a willingness to adopt new technologies, and an awareness of responsibility saw the business decrease scope 1&2 emissions by over 20% in 2024, AND share their approach with the wider sector.